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Data from various sources indicate an increase in transmissions due to crowds during the Christmas period and the JN.1 virus strain, which is currently the most common worldwide.
“Although the spread of Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the virus still circulates, mutates and kills,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
In addition to the nearly 10,000 deaths reported to the WHO last month, hospitalizations have also increased by 42% and the number of intensive care units has increased by 62%.
However, these figures are based on data from fewer than 50 countries – mostly in Europe and America, Tedros said.
“It is clear that there has also been an increase in other countries that has not been reported,” the WHO chief admitted.
“Just as governments and individuals take precautions against other diseases, we must continue to take precautions against Covid-19,” Tedros urged.
“Although 10,000 deaths per month is well below the peak of the pandemic, this number of preventable deaths is unacceptable,” he said.
The WHO chief also urged governments to continue monitoring and sequencing the virus and ensuring there is access to testing, treatment and vaccines.
“And we continue to encourage individuals to get vaccinated, get tested, wear masks when necessary and ensure indoor spaces with large numbers of people are ventilated,” he said.
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